With their arrival in early 2008, the new leaders of Dollar General began a massive but methodical transformation of the chain’s critical merchandising and marketing functions. The goal: to tighten up and rationalize a store presentation and product mix that had drifted and lost focus, while boosting turns, shelf productivity and profitability.

When Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts approached the much-heralded chain drug store and supermarket veteran Rick Dreiling to run Dollar General some seven years ago, the move signaled the investment firm’s determination to return its huge but somewhat floundering retail holding to fiscal health and public ownership as quickly as possible.

Locally relevant and personalized ads move shoppers from their screens into store aisles. That’s according to the findings of a recent study by G/O Digital, a provider of local, integrated digital marketing solutions.

Meijer has launched a first-of-its-kind food solutions program in each of its 213 stores. According to the retailer, “Ready! For You” is designed to meet the tastes and lifestyles of busy families by providing recipe ideas, inspiration and savings opportunities in-store and online.

The Baltimore Convention Center this year played host to more than 23,000 attendees and 1,277 exhibitors at the 2014 Nat Expo East convention for specialty channel operators in the natural food and health space.

Canada’s Loblaw Cos. is ushering in a new era for its President's Choice consumer packaged goods brand and launching the “most ambitious and comprehensive campaign in its history,” the retailer announced.

Weight Watchers on Thursday announced seamless syncing with popular activity monitors and apps, including Fitbit and Jawbone, bringing to fitness wearable users the opportunity for a more complete and integrated weight-loss experience.

In recognition of Hunger Action Month this September, Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets are asking customers to join them in the fight against hunger in the local communities the grocers serve.

Real Canadian Superstore locations in Western Canada now offer a faster, easier way to make nutritious food choices when shopping for groceries, as Loblaw Cos. has expanded its Guiding Stars program in British Columbia and Alberta, the company has announced.

Feed the Children and PepsiCo extended a helping hand to families in Detroit by providing them with food, essentials and Avon products. Sixteen hundred families visited Second Ebenezer Church on 14601 Dequindre Road and took home boxes containing food and basic essentials that filled four tractor-trailers.

While public health officials and the media continue to trumpet how many Americans’ eating habits can adversely affect their health, consumers do not yet seem ready to swear off traditional snack foods in favor of more healthy options.

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SPECIAL REPORTS

Are we in the midst of a beauty revolution? Perhaps. It is no secret that the ever-changing beauty category is all about trends, but one could argue that we are embarking on an especially interesting time in beauty as technology is changing the way consumers shop and new innovations strive to break through the noise.

In this beauty report, Drug Store News takes a deeper dive into some of the leading trends that are reshaping beauty.more ...

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue, DSN examines PricewaterhouseCoopers' "Top Health Industry Issues for 2015;" takes you on a tour of Murad, shares beauty trends and insights and delves into location-based technology and how it is revolutionizing health, retail.Click here to view the issue.